House Passes Bill to Expand Disability Benefits

The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday, December 3rd, to pass a bill called the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, which could drastically expand disability benefits for many Americans.

The bill was first proposed in 2006, and now sports an incredible 85% of Congress as co-sponsors. It will be the first time disability benefits have been expanded or changed since the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.

“This levels the playing field for people less fortunate than we are,” said Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., the bill’s lead House sponsor. “And it demonstrates we can work together when it’s something that affects so many people.”

The disabilities benefits bill will would expand the federal tax code, allowing states to establish a type of tax-free savings account so that people with disabilities, and their caretakers, can put money aside for medical emergencies or necessary supplies, as well as housing, education, and transportation, without being penalized. To qualify, a person would have to be diagnosed with a disability by a physician by the age of 26, which results in “marked and severe functional limitations.” People who already receive Social Security disability benefits and fit these criteria will automatically qualify. The accounts are allowed to accrue up to $100,000 without the person losing eligibility for Social Security disability benefits. The current resources limit is $2,000.

However, the bill does not cover all Americans with disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses that come on later in life, such as AIDS or cancer. The legislation is intended instead to help those who will live with a disability, such as Downs Syndrome, their entire lives.

The few lawmakers opposed to the disability benefits expansion cite the cost, which is currently estimated at $2 billion over 10 years.

Social Security Disability or Retirement, And You

Depending upon the facts of your case, you, your kids, and/or your spouse may be eligible for a range of disability benefits under the Social Security Act.

If you suffer from a disability and are unable to work, or are at federal retirement age, you may be eligible for Social Security disability that include:

Social Security Disability benefits

Supplemental Security Income or SSI

Widow/Widower’s benefits

Retirement Benefits

Medicare/Medicaid benefits

Children and Dependent’s benefits

The type of benefits to which you may be entitled depends upon your income and how long you have worked.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Disability Claims

Social Security disability applications require the claimed medical condition to last at least one year, or result in death. Temporary disability pays workers to focus on their recovery so they can return to work, but permanent or total disability pays small living stipends to those who suffer chronic and terminal illnesses so terrible they will be unable to work for the rest of their lives – these illnesses include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

Centrally located in Columbia, South Carolina, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm LLC represent clients in a variety of civil and criminal matters. We handle cases throughout South Carolina including Columbia, Lexington, Florence, Camden, Aiken, Charleston, Orangeburg, Irmo, Gilbert, Red Bank, Blythewood, Gaston, West Columbia, Chapin, Rock Hill, Saluda, Lancaster, Sumter, Spartanburg, Newberry, North Augusta, Batesburg-Leesville, as well as cases in Richland County, Lexington County, Fairfield County, Kershaw County, York County, Newberry County, Calhoun County, and Sumter County.

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